Police Foil Attack By Armed Group In Southeast
Police in Imo state, Southeast Nigeria have intercepted an armed attack and set up a heavy presence in the city
Nigeria Police in Imo state have set up a heavy security presence in Owerri, the Imo State Capital, Southeast Nigeria, after an attack on the police headquarters in the State was repelled on Sunday, May 6.
The Police have alleged that the foiled attack was orchestrated by yet-to-be-identified ‘hoodlums.’
Residents who were on their way to church for morning service scampered for safety as gunshots rented the air, while those who were in their houses but had intended to attend church services and other engagements had to stay back.
A statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer in the State, SP Bala Elkana, said the attackers invaded the facility but met stiff resistance.
According to Elkana, “hoodlums masquerading as unknown gunmen attempted an attack on the Police Headquarters this morning but suffered a huge defeat.”
He said they made effort to access the Police Headquarters through Works Layout around Avan Nursery and Primary School but were vehemently repelled.
“They came in a white Hummer bus. Five of the hoodlums were killed during an exchange of fire and others were injured,” he said. “The Hummer bus is recovered.”
Elkana further noted that a total of four Ak-47 rifles stolen by the hoodlums in one of their various attacks were also recovered.
There were gunshots at various locations within the Owerri metropolis including: World Bank Area, Amakohia – Akwakuma Area, Government House axis, Control Post Area, Wetheral, Ikenegbu and Bank Road axis.
Elkana, who asked residents to go about their activities, said the presence of security operatives was intended to secure the state capital.
In a related development, a house belonging to the Imo State Commissioner for Information and strategy, Declan Emelumba, has been attacked in his hometown Ubulu in Oru West local government area of Imo state.
The attackers were said to have arrived in Ubulu on Sunday morning, where they shot sporadically, causing panic among villagers who ran for their lives, after which they set the house on fire.
When contacted, Emelumba confirmed the attack but said no life was lost.
Support Our Journalism
There are millions of ordinary people affected by conflict in Africa whose stories are missing in the mainstream media. HumAngle is determined to tell those challenging and under-reported stories, hoping that the people impacted by these conflicts will find the safety and security they deserve.
To ensure that we continue to provide public service coverage, we have a small favour to ask you. We want you to be part of our journalistic endeavour by contributing a token to us.
Your donation will further promote a robust, free, and independent media.
Donate Here
